Design your home Earth Style

Known for the inspiration she draws from nature, television design expert Genevieve Gorder has created some unexpected green design tips to help spruce up your home décor in an earthfriendly way.

According to Ms. Gorder, an original designer on the hit show Trading Spaces, an important first step in approaching a design project is selecting the raw materials.

"I've always loved to work with natural, renewable materials, such as wood and paper," she says. "They help me care for Mother Earth and celebrate our forests while creating something beautiful."

In addition to being recyclable and reusable, wood and paper are also renewable. As a truly renewable resource, the trees in our forests can continually regrow themselves, especially when given proper management and care. Every day, the people of the wood and paper products industry plant 1.7 million new trees in the United States, more than making up for what is harvested. When shopping, look for materials that come from certified sustainable forests - it's just one way to ensure that our forests are properly managed and will remain abundant for generations to come.

About her earth-friendly design tips, Ms. Gorder says, "I hope these ideas help others bring the beauty of the forests into their homes."

Working with Wood

Hardwood Floors - Wood floors add warmth, soul and a beautiful tonal quality. They are also great for resale, and some will even help you get a tax credit for using a sustainable, responsibly sourced product.

Cabinetry - The kitchen is where we spend the most time in our home, and adding custombuilt cabinets will create a room that you'll never want to leave. Natural wood also lets you change the color at any time, something you can't do with processed surfaces.

Accessories - Deep wooden bowls, oversized wooden trays, branches and collections of wooden boxes are all practical and they are art in themselves. Look for strong wood grain patterns and vary the finishes within your collection.

Playing with Paper

Handmade Paper - Handmade paper is art in itself. Look for various handmade papers at your local art store, upscale stationer or card shop. Create a collection that you love and frame them to display on a wall or table.

Children's Books - Some of the most beautiful illustrations live in children's literature. By picking up a few of the classics and framing your favorite pages, you can add gorgeous art to any room.

Designer Paper - There is a use beyond wrapping gifts for these beautiful sheet papers. Spray them with a light dusting of lavender to make great drawer liners that add a burst of color and pattern to the dullest of sock drawers.

Find Genevieve's tips and other ideas for using and reusing renewable resources like wood and paper on PlantItForward.com.

Courtesy of Family Features